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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 8, 2011 at 9:55pm

Tell your mother that if her god is just, he'll allow you to go to heaven based on how you lived your life. If you did good and you're only rejected based on lack of belief, he's evil and not worth worshiping

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Permalink Reply by Patty J on July 8, 2011 at 11:25pm

Great point I completely agree!

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 9, 2011 at 9:33am

It ties into a quote attributed to Roman emperor and warrior philosopher Marcus Aurelius, though it's not properly sourced:

 

"Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Randy Riggs on July 8, 2011 at 10:21pm

I suppose I should say up front that I am not a big fan of the phrase "coming out", you are who you are and there should be no shame in that.  Before all else and above all things, be comfortable in your own skin.

 

You will spend the rest of your life "coming out" to friends, co-workers and intimate partners; eventually, it will come up.  "Coming out" should be as natural as (in my case) saying, "why yes, I am tall and white and I do, in fact, have a penis".  Be comfortable in your own skin and confident in your reasoning and you'll be fine.

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Permalink Reply by Patty J on July 8, 2011 at 11:28pm

As  much as I know there is nothing to be ashamed of, there is this fear inside. Probably because of how society takes most things, like homosexuality. If it is something their god doesn't like then its wrong and they can't accept it. But I agree with you, its something I've been my whole life and it just took me until now to realize it. Thanks :)

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Permalink Reply by Ian Christian on July 8, 2011 at 10:51pm

I just upped and said it. One argument and they never got into another one about religion with me again.

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Permalink Reply by Rick on July 8, 2011 at 11:43pm

I don’t understand the need to “come out.” It reminds me when those of faith go out of their way to let others know what their belief system is. Coming out seems to stem from a need for acceptance from others as if you’re unable to feel at peace with yourself without this external support. Why not acknowledge the fact that you’re an atheist if confronted about it and live your life without fear or shame. Don’t hide the fact or act differently around friends or loved ones.  It’s nothing to be ashamed about. I hate to say it, but atheism is not that big of a deal. By having these coming out sessions, I think we draw unnecessary negative attention to it as if it were a bad thing and we need some sort of official sit down to work through it. If you treat it as if it’s just a fact of life, I think others will be more inclined to do so as well.

Good luck with whichever direction you choose to go.

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Permalink Reply by Patty J on July 9, 2011 at 12:20am

Good point, thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on July 9, 2011 at 9:36am

"Coming out" doesn't just mean to have some big sit-down session where you explain your life to someone. Just acknowledging something in casual conversation also falls under it.

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Permalink Reply by Rick on July 9, 2011 at 1:51pm

I agree. I more or less mentioned that. It’s just that the way that “coming out” is generally described is some big formal ordeal (see the op for example).

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Van Eeckaute on July 14, 2011 at 9:26am

I completely agree, what is it with all that - coming out ?  When i read this and i would not know what atheism is i would think it is something like alcoholism.

You go to a meeting or meet somebody and introduce yourself as "hello, I am Danielle and I am an atheist (like alcoholist). Sounds rather silly no ?

 

My family and friends all know I am an atheist, because it is rather obvious in my lifestyle. Nobody ever had any problems with it. And if anybody ever does, well that is their problem, and they will probably will never become any friends of mine.

 

So, to Patty, stop being afraid, be yourself, and never ever think you have to apologize for being an atheist.

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Permalink Reply by Nolan Warner on July 9, 2011 at 12:25am

I have had to come out twice now. Being gay and now being atheist.  Thankfully I don't have to come out as MALE, WHITE and libertarian-Democrat!! Since I am tired of coming out all the time.  But seriously. The folks that love you will get a grip and go on.  There are those family members that will be leery of you and maybe even avoid you.  And you can certainly be the topic of converstation when your not around.  So what else is new. They do all of that now.  And as important as we believe ourselves to be to everyone else we wind up being just a blip on the screen for a while.  But just as they are to you ...the most important thing in their lives is themselves.  Just as you are to yourself.  When you do come out you will make new friends if your more pro-active.  You will loose others.  SO WHAT! That is the way life goes anyway.  Time progresses and the evolution of our friends happens.  They come and go for all kinds of reasons.   But no one can respect a person who is not honest about themselves.  If your in "the closet" because of others it is miserable! And to make matters worse they don't respect you for it either!  Once you do finally kick the door down and set yourself free not only will your life improve but the quality of your friends and family will as well.  No one can respect a scared little rabbit.  Scared little rabbits are PREY. 

 

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